Tactical Empathy Erin Thorp

In this episode, Erin explores the power of a simple question that can interrupt our cycle of automatic judgment and open up space for empathy. The question is: 'What else might be going on here?' She explains that our brains are wired to make quick judgments for survival, but this automatic reaction doesn't serve us in challenging situations or interactions with others. By asking this question, we can shift from reaction to response and increase our capacity for empathy. Erin provides examples of how this question can be applied to both self-empathy and empathy with others.

In this episode, Erin speaks with Deb Porter, an expert in listening. Deb shares her journey and insights on becoming a professional listener. She emphasizes the importance of holding space and offers practical tools for active listening. Their conversation covers the core elements of active listening, including centering oneself, setting intentions, and asking the right questions. Deb's approach to empathy and the power of holding space are highlighted as transformative practices for effective communication.

In this episode, Erin shares a personal experience of navigating through a shame spiral and how she used empathy to overcome it. She discusses the importance of catching negative thoughts and reframing them, as well as the need to nurture oneself in difficult moments. Erin emphasizes the power of self-awareness and self-care in maintaining emotional well-being. She also highlights the continuous practice of empathy and its transformative impact on relationships and personal growth.

In this conversation, Erin speaks with Tara Paton, a team effectiveness consultant and personal success coach, Tara shares her experience of transitioning from a non-empathic leader to someone who had to flex her empathy muscle during a challenging time. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and practicing self-recovery to avoid burnout. Tara emphasizes the need to hold space for others without taking on their stress and the value of clear communication in leadership. She also highlights the benefits of empathy in building better relationships and becoming a more effective leader.

In this episode, Erin explores the power of presence in practicing empathy with ourselves and others. Erin shares her own practices of cultivating presence, such as walking in nature and engaging in breath work. Erin emphasizes the importance of being fully connected to oneself before engaging with others to hold space for their feelings and perspectives. Being present and attentive allows for a deeper understanding and fosters empathy. Erin provides practical steps for increasing presence and empathy, including mindfulness practices and honing active listening skills.

In this episode, Erin talks with Julia O'Grady, owner and founder of ITM events, and discusses the importance of tactical empathy in leadership. Julia shares her personal definition of empathy as listening wholeheartedly to understand, rather than listening to respond. She highlights the challenges of practicing empathy, such as the tendency to blame and the fear of difficult conversations. She emphasizes the need to stop blaming and take responsibility for one's part in a situation. Julia also discusses the impact of empathy on her business and team, including improved communication, reduced fear of difficult conversations, and increased confidence in leadership roles.